What to make of Kevin McHale's comments about James Harden

Earlier today, Kevin McHale made headlines by expressing that, in his opinion, James Harden is not a leader. This was prompted by NBA TV’s Open Court panel asking him about the addition of Chris Paul. McHale believes that what Harden lacked off the court would be made up for because of Paul’s proven experience and professionalism:

“I think it makes them a much better team because you had James Harden with the ball, he’s fantastic with the ball – the guys got phenomenal vision, James can see all the passes and do everything but James is not a leader. He tried being a leader last year and doing that stuff, I think Chris Paul is going to help him do that stuff and get back to just hoop and play. On every team you need to have a voice, you have to have somebody that when he says something, everybody listens. Look, if James tells you ‘Chuck, you’ve got to play better [defense]!’ Are you going to listen to him? You’re kidding me! I lived through it, everybody in the locker room [shook their head].”

Paul comes in with a proven track record and is, without question, a major addition both on and off the court. With that being said, he would’ve been a major plus to any team. Can we say that Harden isn’t a leader, though?

(Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

Harden has led this team to the playoffs year after year by putting up incredible numbers. One of the big knocks on Harden was his penchant for partying and going out. McHale’s criticism of trying to be led by a player who, for example, isn’t known for their defense isn’t consistent around the league. Take Steph Curry, who isn’t known for his defense either but, because he’s never really in the news for anything negative, he is widely accepted as a leader.

If you ask any player on the Rockets, there’s very little doubt that they would back up the fact that Harden is a leader. Yes, he enjoys his life differently than some, but he also inspires his teammates to give it their all. A clear example of that was the bounce-back season Eric Gordon had last year – he’d clearly not been motivated during his tenure with the Pelicans but looked like a star in his first season with Houston. Aside from this, we overlook the fact that Paul wanted to join the Rockets.

Seriously speaking, a player with years of experience chasing a ring wouldn’t have come to a team without a bonafide leader. McHale also criticized his willingness to play off the ball, commenting that while he was coaching Harden, Harden would get frustrated when taken off ball. In Harden’s defense, he was the best player they had to trot out as the main ball handler. While nothing can replace Patrick Beverley’s defense, he was more effective both offensively and defensively as a shooting guard last season. Harden went on to lead the league in assists and become the MVP runner-up.

Paul will definitely teach Harden some great habits and help him become an even better leader but, make no mistake, Harden is definitely a leader and has been since his tenure in Houston began.

Email

Like this article?

Sign up for the Rockets Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning

An error has occured

Please re-enter your email address.

Thanks for signing up!

You'll now receive the top Rockets Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.